Poly-halogenated Triazapentadiene Compositions

ABSTRACT

A new class of fluorinated or polyhalogenated triazapentadienes are disclosed. The synthesized triazapentadienes are thermally stable, soluble in typical solvents and have several metal binding sites for complexation with metal ions. The compounds are prepared as colorless crystalline solids. Synthesis takes advantage of a reaction with triethylamine. Synthesized triazapentadienes (with and without complexed metals) inhibit bacterial growth of both Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in this invention and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable terms as provided for by the terms of Grant No. CHE 0314666 awarded by the National Science Foundation.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As described, the invention relates generally to the field of chemistry and in particular to the synthesis of a new class of triazapentadiene compounds and compositions formed therefrom.

While triazapentadienes are useful ligands, triazapentadienes with highly fluorinated and other halogenated substituents are rare; perfluorinated compounds have not yet been reported.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention describes a new class of compounds as poly-halogenated triazapentadienes that include fully fluorinated triazapentadienes, chlorinated triazapentadienes and complexed compositions produced therefrom.

The poly-halogenated triazapentadienes disclosed are prepared in high yield, typically as a colorless crystalline solid. The synthesized triazapentadienes are thermally stable and soluble in typical solvents (e.g., toluene, tetrahydrofuran [THF], dichloromethane [CH₂Cl₂], diethyl ether [Et₂O], hexane, dimethylsulfoxide). The halogen may include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. The synthesized triazapentadienes and their deprotonated forms (e.g., triazapentadienyl anions) serve as ligands, having, among other things, several metal binding sites for complexation with one or more metal ions. Metal complexed triazapentadienyl fragments may further bind additional molecules, including one or more carbon- or nitrogen-based donor molecules.

In one or more embodiments, described herein are compositions comprising poly-halogenated 1,3,5 triazapentadiene, wherein the composition is thermally stable, electron-poor and accommodates sterically demanding substituents on both 2- and 6-positions of N-aryl groups. Such composition may further coordinate with one or more metal ions. In one form, compositions are metal triazapentadienyl ligands and binds a carbon- or nitrogen-based donor molecule. The compositions may be a ligand for metal coordination chemistry. The compositions are typically weak donors. The compositions inhibit growth of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.

In additional embodiments are provided one or more compositions comprising a poly-halogenated 1,3,5 triazapentadiene with electron deficient primary amines, wherein the composition is prepared by a reaction with a tertiary amine as a base. Such compositions may be from a reaction that includes C₆F₅NH₂, C₃F₇—CF═N—C₄F₉ and triethylamine in a molar ratio at or about 2:1:3 or C₆F₅NH₂, CF₃—CF═N—C₂F₅ and triethylamine in a molar ratio at or about 2:1:3. Such compositions include [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H, [N{(CF₃)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H, [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H and [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]H. The compositions may complex with a metal to form a metal triazapentadienyl. Examples of these include [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃), [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CuCO, [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]CuNCCH₃, [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]CU(C₂H₄), [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃), [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CuNCCH₃, {[N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Ag}_(n), [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Ag, [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-CF₃C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag, and [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag. Such compositions may be a metal triazapentadienyl adduct that binds a carbon- or nitrogen-containing donor.

Generally, compositions herein include a compounds as described below.

in which R¹ may be an alkyl or aryl groups and R² may be a fluoro alkyl group. Such compositions are effective as antibacterial agents.

In further embodiments are provided a ligand for metal coordination chemistry comprising:

wherein R¹ is an alkyl or aryl group and R² is a fluoro alkyl group and wherein the composition has coordination centers for complexation with a metal ion. The metal ion is introduced in a solvent. Such solvents may include acetonitrile or tetrahydrofuran. The ligands when complexed are capable of further complexation with a second molecule having one or more donors. Examples include but are not limited to carbon monoxide, ethylene, acetonitrile, and phosphine.

A synthetic pathway for a new class of poly-halogenated triazapentadienes is disclosed herein. Synthesis takes advantage of a reaction with triethylamine as compared with previous unsuccessful and/or highly inefficient (very low yield) synthetic routes that have relied on a reaction with excess primary amines.

Compositions herein are typically obtained by a reaction comprising:

wherein R¹ is an alkyl or aryl group and R² is a fluoro alkyl group. R¹ is typically selected from the group consisting of C₆F₅, 2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃; 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃; 2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃; CH(Me)Ph; 2,6-(i-Pr)₂C₆H₃ and 2,4,6-(Me)₃C₆H₂, wherein Me is methyl, Ph is phenyl. R² is typically CF₃ and C₃F₇. Products of such a reaction typically produce compositions as described herein in high yield as a colorless crystalline solid. When R² is C₃F₇, the reaction includes C₆F₅NH₂, C₃F₇—CF═N—C₄F₉ (obtained from tri(perfluorobutyl)amine, (C₄F₉)₃N, precursor) and triethylamine in a molar ratio at or about 2:1:3. When R² is CF₃, the reaction includes C₆F₅NH₂, CF₃—CF═N—C₂F₅ (obtained from tri(perfluoroethyl)amine, (C₂F₅)₃N, precursor) and triethylamine in a molar ratio at or about 2:1:3.

Methods described herein produce compounds that inhibit growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. A suitable method includes providing a composition comprising

as an antibacterial agent. Examples of Gram positive bacteria that are inhibited are Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Gram positive bacteria that are inhibited by compounds described herein include Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli.

The synthesized triazapentadienes (with and without complexed metals) as described herein inhibit bacterial growth of both Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the above-noted features and advantages of the invention together with other important aspects thereof upon reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1B depict representative structures for 1,3,5-triazapentadiene molecules described herein;

FIG. 1C depicts a structure from another class of compounds known as 1,5-diazapentadiene;

FIG. 2 depicts a representative triazapentadiene composition as described herein;

FIG. 3 depicts a prior typical synthetic route to form another related class of compounds;

FIG. 4 depicts a synthetic route for forming a triazapentadiene as described herein;

FIG. 5 depicts a metal complexation reaction for triazapentadienes as described herein;

FIG. 6 depicts another metal complexation reaction of a polyhalogenated triazapentadienyl ligand as described herein;

FIG. 7 depicts an X-ray structure of a metal complexed triazapentadiene composition described herein;

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict (A) X-ray structure and (B) ball and stick molecular structure of another metal complexed triazapentadiene composition described herein;

FIG. 9 depicts an X-ray structure of still another metal-complexed triazapentadiene composition described herein;

FIG. 10A depicts an X-ray structure of still another metal complexed triazapentadienes composition described herein;

FIGS. 10B and 10C depict ball and stick molecular structures of complexed triazapentadiene compositions described in FIG. 10A; and

FIG. 11 depicts a representative structure of a fully-fluorinated triazapentadienyl silver(I) complex described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as defined by the claims, may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The description is meant to be read with reference to the figures contained herein. This detailed description relates to examples of the claimed subject matter for illustrative purposes, and is in no way meant to limit the scope of the invention. The specific aspects and embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.

Described herein poly-halogenated triazapentadienes, including a fully fluorinated triazapentadiene and a highly fluorinated triazapentadiene as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The new class of compounds described herein are related to a popular class of compounds known as diazapentadienes that may also be fluorinated (FIG. 1C). Accordingly, compounds disclosed herein are referred generally as 1,3,5-triazapentadienes as shown in FIG. 2 in which R¹ may be a alkyl or aryl group and R² may be a fluoro alkyl group. Examples of R¹ include C₆F₅, 2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃; 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃; 2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃; CH(Me)Ph; 2,6-(i-Pr)₂C₆H₃ and 2,4,6-(Me)₃C₆H₂, wherein Me is methyl, Ph is phenyl. Examples of R² include CF₃ and C₃F₇. Such compounds may be halogenated with one or more halogen groups that include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and or iodine.

As a new class of compounds, the poly-fluorinated triazapentadienes, fully fluorinated triazapentadienes and other poly-halogenated triazapentadienes compositions described herein are different from previously disclosed but related compositions, such as 1,5-diazapentadiene.

While a previous synthetic route had been used to form some of the related compounds—a reaction which relied on excess primary amines (FIG. 3)—such a reaction was unsuited for forming the new class of compounds disclosed herein, which includes triazapentadienes with electron deficient primary amines, and also produced compounds of very low yield.

Triazapentadienes with electron deficient primary amines are prepared herein by a suitable reaction that includes a tertiary amine as the base. A preferred synthetic route is depicted in FIG. 4, wherein R¹ and R² are as described above. In one example, C₆F₅NH₂ with C₃F₇—CF═N—C₄F₉ and triethylamine are combined in a molar ratio at or about 2:1:3. In another example, C₆F₅NH₂, CF₃—CF═N—C₂F₅ (obtained from tri(perfluoroethyl)amine, (C₂F₅)₃N, precursor) and triethylamine are combined in a molar ratio at or about 2:1:3. Formed compounds include, but are not limited to, [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H and [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H.

Formed triazapentadienyl compositions described herein are thermally stable, usually electron-poor and may have sterically demanding substituents on both 2- and 6-positions of N-aryl groups. Examples of representative formed compounds are shown FIGS. 4-11.

The synthesized triazapentadienes described herein serve as ligands and form metal complexes with specific coordinated centers. For example, a metal ion, such as copper or silver is introduced in acetonitrile or in tetrahydrofuran (THF). After metal complexation, a metal-complexed triazapentadienyl composition is capable of further complexation with other molecules having one or more donors (e.g., C-, N-, P-based molecules, such as CO, ethylene, acetonitrile, phosphine). A first example of a metal complexation reactions are shown in FIG. 5. Another example of a metal complexation reaction is shown in FIG. 6.

In FIG. 5, the initial triazapentadiene composition, [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H, was first complexed with Cu₂O as a source for the copper (Cu) ion to form [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]CuNCCH₃. The metal complex [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]CuNCCH₃ was further reacted with carbon monoxide (CO, at 1 atm) in CH₂Cl₂ leading to [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃) as depicted in FIG. 7 or reacted with ethylene (at 1 atm) in dichloromethane leading to [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(C₂H₄) as depicted in FIG. 8. Selected bond lengths of the structure of FIG. 7 (in Angstroms [Å]) and angles (degrees, in parenthesis) include: Cu—C 1.8333(17); Cu—N(4) 2.0183 (14); Cu—N(1) 2.0232 (12); Cu—N(3) 2.0499(12); O—C 1.124(2), N(1)-Cu—N(3) 91.04 (5); and O—C—Cu 176.68(16). Selected bond lengths of the structure of FIG. 8 in Å and angles (degrees, in parenthesis) include: Cu—N(3) 1.946(2); Cu—N(1) 1.955 (2); Cu—C(21) 2.010(3); Cu—C(22) 2.018 (3); C(21)-C(22) 1.364 (4); N(3)-Cu—N(1) 96.66 (9).

Interestingly, with the composition of FIG. 7, the acetonitrile remained bonded to the copper(I) in the carbonyl adduct as evident from the spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic data (vide infra). [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃) was also prepared using a similar route and the complexed composition also retained acetonitrile (see FIG. 9).

Referring to FIG. 7, the copper center is four-coordinate and adopts a pseudo tetrahedral geometry. The triazapentadienyl ligand binds to the metal center in a κ²-fashion. Similarly, [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃) also features a four-coordinate copper center (see FIG. 9). For [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃), the Cu—C distance and Cu—C—O angle are 1.846(3) Å and 177.0(4)°, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 8, the copper center is three-coordinate and the X-ray structure of [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(C₂H₄) (FIG. 8A) shows the ethylene molecule coordinates to copper(I) in an η²-fashion. The ¹H NMR spectrum of [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(C₂H₄) in C₆D₆ showed the ethylene signal at δ3.27, which is a significant upfield shift relative to a corresponding peak of free ethylene (δ5.24). With this composition, treatment with excess ethylene led to a disappearance of the bound ethylene signal, indicating fast exchange with free ethylene on the NMR timescale. The ethylene carbon signal of [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(C₂H₄) in ¹³C{₁H} NMR spectrum is observed at δ86.1. A corresponding peak in free ethylene appears at a much higher frequency (δ123.5). The C═C bond distance of the coordinated ethylene (1.364(4) Å) of FIG. 8 is identical to that found in [HC{(CH₃)C(2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)N}₂]Cu(C₂H₄) (1.365(3) Å)—a related diazapentadienyl system—and marginally longer as compared to that of free ethylene. The nitrogen to copper distances of [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(C₂H₄) (1.946(2), 1.955 (2) Å) were much shorter compared to those observed for the [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(CO)(CH₃CN). This may be primarily a steric effect because the former has a 3-coordinate metal site (vs. 4-coordinate in the latter). The Cu—N distances of [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(C₂H₄) are similar to those seen with 3-coordinate [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CuCO.

In another metal complexation example depicted in FIG. 6, an initial triazapentadiene composition is [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H and reacted as a lithium salt, [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]Li, with CuOTf and CO (at 1 atm) in THF. The x-ray structure formed by the reaction of FIG. 10 is a three coordinate metal complex, [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CuCO, that crystallized in the P2₁/n space group with two chemically similar molecules in an asymmetric unit (the relative orientation of the C₃F₇ groups is the only key difference between the two, as depicted in FIG. 10C) and included a trigonal planar copper site.

IR spectra of [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃) and [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃) show that ν_(co) bands of the exemplified compositions appear at 2108 and 2119 cm⁻¹, respectively. A three coordinate [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CuCO had a much higher ν_(co) at 2128 cm⁻¹. The acetonitrile ligand appears to reduce acidity at the copper site. Yet, ν_(co) values of all complexed compositions were high and closer to that of free CO, which is 2143 cm⁻¹, indicating a presence of acidic copper sites with poor Cu→CO π-backbonding and a weak donating nature of the formed polyfluorinated triazapentadienyl ligands described (see TABLE 1). TABLE 1 illustrates representative structural and spectroscopic parameters for copper-carbonyl compounds described herein. Bond distance data is given for representative compounds based on structural characterization.

TABLE 1 ν_(CO) in ν_(CO) in cm⁻¹ cm⁻¹ Cu—C Compound KBr Nujol (Å) [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃) 2108 2107 1.8333 [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6- 2119 2118 1.846 (CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃) [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CuCO 2128 2120 1.815

Complexed compositions described herein, such as [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃), [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CuCO, and [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(C₂H₄), may be dried under reduced pressure without losing CO or ethylene; [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃) may lose CO under similar conditions to give [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CuNCCH₃. The loss of a ligand (e.g., CO) in the latter compound may be a steric effect of such a bulkier triazapentadienyl composition. CH₂Cl₂ solutions comprising a complexed composition (e.g., Cu—CO complexed compositions or ethylene complexed compositions) turned green with time when exposed to air. Solid samples of such compositions (e.g., Cu—CO and Cu—C₂H₄ complexes) may be handled in air for short periods without any apparent decomposition.

Unless otherwise noted, all synthetic manipulations were carried out under an atmosphere of purified nitrogen using standard Schlenk techniques. Solvents were purchased from commercial sources, distilled from conventional drying agents, and were degassed by a freeze-pump-thaw method known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Glassware was oven-dried at 150° C. overnight. NMR spectra were recorded at 25° C. on a 500 and 300 MHz spectrometer (¹H, 500.16 MHz or 300.53 MHz; and ¹⁹F: 470.62 MHz or 282.78 MHz). Proton chemical shifts were reported in ppm versus Me₄Si. ¹⁹F NMR chemical shifts were referenced relative to external CFCl₃. Melting points were obtained on a suitable melting apparatus and readings were not corrected. Elemental analyses of CHN were performed a suitable analyzer. Pentafluoroaniline, 2-fluoro,6-trifluoromethylaniline, triethylamine, Cu₂O, (CuOTf)₂.benzene, carbon monoxide, and ethylene were purchased from commercial sources. Perfluoro-5-aza-4-nonene was synthesized using a published procedure (e.g., Siedle, et al. Inorg. Chem. 2003; 42:932).

For synthesis of [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H, perfluoro-5-aza-4-nonene (1.00 g, 2.30 mmol) was added dropwise to a mixture of triethylamine (0.69 mL, 6.90 mmol) and pentafluoroaniline (0.84 g, 4.6 mmol) in ether at 0° C. After addition, the solution was stirred overnight at room temperature. Nitrogen atmosphere was not necessary after this point. The mixture was then filtered; filtrate was collected and washed with 10% HCl and then twice with deionized water. The ether layer was separated and dried over CaCl₂. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to obtain a white powder which was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂ at −25° C. to obtain colorless crystals of [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H in 85% yield. Melting point (Mp) was 104-105° C. ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃): δ 80.00 (apparent triplet, J=8.4 Hz, 9.8 Hz, CF₃), −80.37 (apparent triplet, J=8.4 Hz, 9.8 Hz, CF₃), −115.08 (br, α-CF₂), −116.72 (s, α-CF₂), −124.85 (br, β-CF₂), −126.44 (s, β-CF₂), −144.82 (d, J=17.2 Hz, o-F), −148.0 (d, J=19.5 Hz, o-F), −149.54 (t, J=20.9 Hz, p-F), −159.44 (t, J=21.8 Hz, p-F), −159.80 (t, J=18.3 Hz, m-F), −162.90 (td, J=21.2 Hz, 6.6 Hz, m-F). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 6.91 (s, 1H, NH). Elemental analysis for C₂₀HF₂₄N₃: (a) Calculated: C, 32.50; H, 0.14; N, 5.68; (b) Found: C, 31.98; H, 0.41; N, 5.72.

For synthesis of [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(CO)(CH₃CN), [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H (0.50 g, 0.67 mmol) and Cu₂O (0.05 g, 0.34 mmol) were mixed in acetonitrile and refluxed overnight. The resulting solution was filtered through a bed of a filter agent (e.g., standard supercell); filtrate was collected and solvent removed under reduced pressure to obtain crude [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]CuNCCH₃ as an oil, which was crystallized from hexane-Et₂O mixture and used directly in the next step. [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]CuNCCH₃ was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ and CO was bubbled through the solution followed by stirring for 30 minutes. When solvent was removed under reduced pressure crude [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(CO)(CH₃CN) was obtained which was dissolved in ether and cooled to −25° C. to obtain pale yellow crystals. Yield was 77%. Mp.: 92-94° C. ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃): δ−162.94 (td, J=24.0 Hz, 6.6 Hz, m-F), −160.00 (t, J=19.5 Hz, m-F), −159.52 (t, J=22.8 Hz, p-F), −149.74 (t, J=20.4 Hz, p-F), −147.99 (d, J=19.5 Hz, o-F), −144.80 (d, J=17.2 Hz, o-F), −126.49 (s, β-CF₂), −124.83 (br, β-CF₂), −116.77 (s, α-CF₂), −115.12 (br, α-CF₂), −80.38 (apparent triplet, J=7.6 Hz, 10.8 Hz, CF₃), −80.01 (apparent triplet, J=7.6 Hz, 10.8 Hz, CF₃). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 1.87 (s, 3H, CH₃CN). Elemental analysis for C₂₃H₃CuF₂₄N₄O: (a) Calculated: C, 31.72; H, 0.35; N, 6.43; (b) Found: C, 29.80; H, 0.80; N, 5.19. IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 2108 (CO).

For synthesis of [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(C₂H₄), [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]CuNCCH₃ was prepared as described above, dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ and ethylene was bubbled into the solution for about 3 minutes. After stirring for 30 minutes, the solvent was removed under vacuum. The resulting residue was dissolved in hexane and cooled to −25° C. to obtain needle shaped crystals. Yield: 92%. Mp: 120-122° C. ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃): δ−80.23 (t, J=9.8 Hz, CF₃), −109.02 (d, J=8.5 Hz, α-CF₂), −124.24 (s, β-CF₂), −148.32 (d, J=20.7 Hz, o-F), −157.98 (t, J=21.6 Hz, p-F), −161.57 (td, J=21.8 Hz, 5.3 Hz, m-F), ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 3.86 (s, 4H, C₂H₄). ¹H NMR (C₆D₆): δ 3.07 (s, 4H, C₂H₄). ¹³C{¹H} NMR (CDCl₃), selected: δ 86.1 (s, C₂H₄). Elemental analysis for C₂₂H₄F₂₄N₃Cu: (a) Calculated: C, 31.84; H, 0.49; N, 5.06.; (b) Found: C, 32.27; H, 0.57; N, 5.26.

For synthesis of [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H, perfluoro-5-aza-4-nonene (1.00 g, 2.31 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of 2-fluoro,6-trifluoromethylaniline (0.827 g, 4.62 mmol) and triethylamine (1.0 mL, 7.18 mmol) in ether (15 mL) at −5° C. This solution was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 3 days (a precipitate and formation of two phases were observed after 12 hours). Inert atmosphere was not required. The resulting mixture was washed once with 10% HCl and twice with deionized water. The organic layer was separated and dried over CaCl₂. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to obtain a yellow oily composition. Pentane was added and cooled to −15° C. to obtain [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H as a white precipitate. It could be recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂ at −15° C. Yield: 52%. Mp: 77-83° C. ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃): δ−61.66 and −61.70 (s, 6F, o-CF₃), −79.98 (t, J=9.8 Hz, 3F, CF₃), −80.43 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 3F, CF₃), −115.37 (s, 2F, α-CF₂), −119.54 (s, 2F, α-CF₂), −124.60 (br, 2F, o-F), −126.34 (s, 4F, β-CF₂). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.51 (apparent doublet, J=2.75 Hz, 2H), 7.36 (m, 2H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 6.55 (s, 1H, NH). Elemental analysis for C₂₂H₇F₂₂N₃: (a) Calculated: C, 36.13; H, 0.96; N, 5.75; (b) Found: C, 35.74; H, 1.00; N, 5.86.

For synthesis of [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃), [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H (0.500 g, 0.684 mmol) and Cu₂O (0.059 g, 0.410 mmol) were mixed in acetonitrile (15 mL) and heated overnight at 90° C. The reaction mixture was filtered, and solvent was removed from the filtrate under reduced pressure. A resulting oily product ([N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CuNCCH₃) was dissolved in about 4 mL of methylene chloride and carbon monoxide was bubbled through for 3 minutes. The mixture was stirred for 4 hours and treated with CO again and cooled to −15° C. The composition crystallized as yellow needles after 24 hours at −15° C. Solvent was removed using a syringe and the composition was dried under a nitrogen/CO stream. CO may lose easily under reduced pressure affording a copper-acetonitrile adduct. Yield 80%. Mp: about 57° C. (dec.). ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃): δ−59.70 (s, 6F, o-CF₃), −80.57 (s, 6F, CF₃), −106.53 and −110.17 (AB multiplet, J=277.7 Hz, α-CF2), −106.94 and −109.30 (AB multiplet, J=279.3 Hz, α-CF₂), −121.72 and −121.79 (s, 2F, o-F), −123.23 and −123.56 (s, 4F, β-CF₂). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.52 to 7.10 (br, 6H, m- and p-Ar), 1.98 (s, 3H, NCCH₃). ¹H NMR (cyclohexane-d₁₂): δ 7.36 to 6.96 (m, 6H, m- and p-Ar), 1.74 (s, 3H, NCCH₃). Elemental analysis for C₂₅H₉F₂₂N₄OCu: (a) Calculated: C, 34.80; H, 1.05; N, 6.49; (b) Found: C, 33.42; H, 1.04; N, 6.38. IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 2119 (CO).

For synthesis of [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CuCO, THF solution of [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H (0.420 g, 0.575 mmol) was treated with n-butyllithium (0.25 mL, 2.5M in hexanes) at −60° C. After 2 hours, the mixture warmed slowly to room temperature. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure to obtain a white solid which was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ and added to (CuOTf)₂.benzene (0.145 g, 0.287 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature. After stirring for 1 hour, the mixture was treated with CO for 5 minutes and stirred for 2 hours. The mixture was filtered through a bed of celite and the filtrate was concentrated using a CO stream. [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CuCO crystallized as yellow rods from the mixture overnight at 5° C. The composition was dried using a nitrogen stream or may be dried using reduced pressure. Yield 53%. Mp: 65° C. (dec.). ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃): δ−59.65 and −59.69 (s, 6F, o-CF₃), −80.56 (apparent t, J=−11.5 Hz, 8.6 Hz, 6F, CF₃), −106.45 and −110.08 (AB multiplet, J=280.7 Hz, α-CF₂), −106.88 and −109.23 (AB multiplet, J=279.3 Hz, α-CF₂), −121.60 (br peak with a shoulder, 2F, o-F), −123.21 and −123.52 (s, 4F, β-CF₂). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.68-7.10 (m, m,p-Ar). Elemental analysis for C₂₃H₆F₂₂N₃OCu: (a) calculated: C, 33.61; H, 0.74; N, 5.11; (b) Found: C, 32.70; H, 0.84; N, 5.12. IR (KBr, cm⁻¹):2128 (CO).

When identifying the structure of compositions described herein, a suitable crystal of a sample was covered with a layer of hydrocarbon oil and mounted with paratone-N oil on a cryo-loop, and immediately placed in a low-temperature nitrogen stream. X-ray intensity data were measured at 100(2) K, on a detector system equipped with a cryostream cooler, a graphite monochromator, and a Mo Kα fine-focus sealed tube (λ=0.710 73 Å). Data (in frames) were integrated with suitable software package available to one of ordinary skill in the art. Data were corrected for absorption effects using a multi-scan technique (SADABS). Structures were solved and refined using a suitable software package available to one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional details of data collection and refinement are provided in TABLES 2-5.

TABLE 2 Crystal data/structure refinement for [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(CO)(CH₃CN). Empirical formula C23H3CuF24N4O Formula weight 870.83 Temperature 100(2) K Wavelength 0.71073 Å Crystal system Monoclinic Space group P2(1)/c Unit cell dimensions a = 10.5092(4) Å α = 90° b = 12.5716(5) Å β = 97.5150(10)° c = 21.8262(9) Å γ = 90° Volume 2858.9(2) Å³ Z 4 Density (calculated) 2.023 Mg/m³ Absorption coefficient 0.950 mm⁻¹ F(000) 1688 Crystal size 0.35 × 0.26 × 0.17 mm³ Theta range for data collection 2.48 to 28.31° Index ranges −13 <= h <= 14, −16 <= k <= 16, −29 <= l <= 28 Reflections collected 26467 Independent reflections 6973 [R(int) = 0.0166] Completeness to theta = 28.31° 98.2% Absorption correction None Max. and min. transmission 0.8551 and 0.7320 Refinement method Full-matrix least-squares on F² Data/restraints/parameters 6973/0/490 Goodness-of-fit on F² 1.060 Final R indices [I > 2sigma(I)] R1 = 0.0300, wR2 = 0.0812 R indices (all data) R1 = 0.0322, wR2 = 0.0830 Largest diff. peak and hole 0.534 and −0.296 e · Å⁻³

TABLE 3 Crystal data/structure refinement for [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(C₂H₄). Empirical formula C22H4CuF24N3 Formula weight 829.82 Temperature 100(2) K Wavelength 0.71073 Å Crystal system Monoclinic Space group P2(1)/c Unit cell dimensions a = 11.6782(5) Å α = 90° b = 21.1320(8) Å β = 106.4380 (10)° c = 11.3774(4) Å γ = 90° Volume 2692.99(18) Å³ Z 4 Density (calculated) 2.047 Mg/m³ Absorption coefficient 1.000 mm⁻¹ F(000) 1608 Crystal size 0.27 × 0.06 × 0.04 mm³ Theta range for data collection 1.82 to 25.36°. Index ranges −13 <= h <= 14, −25 <= k <= 25, −13 <= l <= 13 Reflections collected 19960 Independent reflections 4894 [R(int) = 0.0491] Completeness to theta = 25.36° 99.1% Absorption correction None Max. and min. transmission 0.9659 and 0.7762 Refinement method Full-matrix least-squares on F² Data/restraints/parameters 4894/0/467 Goodness-of-fit on F² 1.023 Final R indices [I > 2sigma(I)] R1 = 0.0376, wR2 = 0.0928 R indices (all data) R1 = 0.0497, wR2 = 0.0998 Largest diff. peak and hole 0.649 and −0.485 e · Å⁻³

TABLE 4 Crystal data/structure refinement for [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃). Empirical formula C25H9CuF22N4O Formula weight 862.90 Temperature 100(2) K Wavelength 0.71073 Å Crystal system Orthorhombic Space group Pna2(1) Unit cell dimensions a = 12.6364(7) Å α = 90° b = 10.8052(6) Å β = 90° c = 21.8933(12) Å γ = 90° Volume 2989.3(3) Å³ Z 4 Density (calculated) 1.917 Mg/m³ Absorption coefficient 0.899 mm⁻¹ F(000) 1688 Crystal size 0.48 × 0.41 × 0.36 mm³ Theta range for data collection 2.10 to 25.98°. Index ranges −15 <= h <= 15, −13 <= k <= 13, −26 <= l <= 27 Reflections collected 21561 Independent reflections 5843 [R(int) = 0.0473] Completeness to theta = 25.98° 100.0% Absorption correction None Max. and min. transmission 0.7379 and 0.6722 Refinement method Full-matrix least-squares on F² Data/restraints/parameters 5843/22/407 Goodness-of-fit on F² 1.056 Final R indices [I > 2sigma(I)] R1 = 0.0418, wR2 = 0.1023 R indices (all data) R1 = 0.0469, wR2 = 0.1062 Absolute structure parameter 0.57(2) Largest diff. peak and hole 0.506 and −0.398 e · Å⁻³

TABLE 5 Crystal data/structure refinement for [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CUCO. Empirical formula C23H6CuF22N3O Formula weight 821.85 Temperature 100(2) K Wavelength 0.71073 Å Crystal system Monoclinic Space group P2(1)/n Unit cell dimensions a = 24.6256(16) Å α = 90° b = 9.7507(6) Å β = 113.2780(10)° c = 25.1455(16) Å γ = 90° Volume 5546.4(6) Å³ Z 8 Density (calculated) 1.968 Mg/m³ Absorption coefficient 0.962 mm⁻¹ F(000) 3200 Crystal size 0.26 × 0.19 × 0.04 mm³ Theta range for data collection 1.96 to 25.50°. Index ranges −29 <= h <= 29, −11 <= k <= 11, −30 <= l <= 30 Reflections collected 40342 Independent reflections 10323 [R(int) = 0.0508] Completeness to 99.9% theta = 25.50° Absorption correction None Max. and min. transmission 0.9625 and 0.7893 Refinement method Full-matrix least-squares on F² Data/restraints/parameters 10323/0/901 Goodness-of-fit on F² 1.023 Final RXZ R1 = 0.0556, wR2 = 0.1461 indices [I > 2sigma(I)] R indices (all data) R1 = 0.0776, wR2 = 0.1626 Absolute structure parameter 0.57(2) Largest diff. peak and hole 1.770 and −0.673 e · Å⁻³

For [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(CO)(CH₃CN) and [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(C₂H₄), hydrogen atoms of acetonitrile and ethylene units were located from a difference map and included/refined isotropically. All non-hydrogen atoms were refined anisotropically.

[N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃) crystallized in the Pna2(1) space group. One of the aryl groups was disordered over two positions. The ortho-CF₃ group in about 65% of the molecules occupied the carbonyl group side, whereas in the remaining portion of the molecule (about 35%), it occupied the acetonitrile group side. Carbon and fluorine atoms of the disordered aryl ring were refined isotropically. All remaining non-hydrogen atoms were refined anisotropically. Hydrogen atoms were placed at calculated positions and refined using a riding model. The crystals show racemic twinning; refined using suitable commands.

[N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CuCO crystallized in the P2₁/n space group. Crystallization, two chemically similar but crystallographically different molecules were found in the asymmetric unit (FIG. 10C). There was minor disorder in few fluorine atom positions of the C₃F₇ moieties as indicated by residual peaks. All non-hydrogen atoms were refined anisotropically. Hydrogen atoms were placed at calculated positions and refined using a riding model.

Compounds described herein may coordinate with any of a number of metal ions, such as but not limited to silver (Ag), copper, gold, thallium, and alkali metals. An example of a fluorinated triazapentadienyl silver(I) complex described herein is depicted in FIG. 11. Additional examples include [N{(C₃F₂)C(2-F,6-CF₃C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag and [N{(C₃F₂)C(2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag.

Reactions for complexation with silver(I) were performed in light-protected flasks. For synthesis of {[N {(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Ag}_(n) (FIG. 11), [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H (1.0 g, 1.35 mmol), silver(I) oxide (0.19 g, 0.81 mmol) and THF (40 μL) were heated at 70° C. in an oil bath for 12 hours followed by filtering over a bed of diatomite. Solvent was evaporated to dryness to yield the product as a white solid. It was recrystallized from a mixture of acetone-toluene by slow evaporation to obtain transparent crystals as thin squares. Yield: 60%. Mp: 140-150° C. (dec). ¹⁹F NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ−79.9 (apparent triplet, J=8.7 Hz, 6F, CF₃), −113.3 (s, 4F, α-CF₂), −125.3 (s, 4F, β-CF₂), −149.0 (d, J=19.5 Hz, 4F, o-Ar), −166.3 (t, J=21.7 Hz, 19.5 Hz, 4F, m-Ar), −167.4 (t, J=23.8 Hz, 21.7 Hz, 2F, p-Ar). Elemental analysis for C₂₀F₂₄N₃Ag: (a) Calculated: C, 28.39; H, 0.00; N, 4.97; (b) Found: C, 28.28; H, <0.20; N, 5.20.

The new class of fluorinated triazapentadiene compounds with and without metal complexation as described herein were analyzed for antibacterial activity against several bacterial strains (both Gram positive and Gram negative). Methods for antimicrobial analysis included a modified Kirby-Bauer method and a determination of their minimum inhibitory concentrations. In brief, the modified Kirby-Bauer method relied on placement of a filter disk impregnated with a desired compound on a solid growth medium. Bacteria were grown to a confluent lawn and the extent of growth inhibition was measured (e.g., as an extent/percentage of a clear zone on the disk and/or solid medium). The assessment of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by a lowest concentration that visibly inhibited growth of bacteria in culture.

Filter disks were provided as sterile filter paper (about 6 mm in diameter) and spotted with 20 μL of a selected compound. Each compound was initially dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO); any subsequent dilutions were also made in DMSO. Each filter was placed on an LB agar plate spread with 100 μL of a bacterial culture that had been grown overnight in suitable LB broth. Plates were incubated overnight at 37° C., after which, the extent of growth inhibition around each filter disk was measured. Bacterial strains included Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, Bacillus subtilis W168 and Escherichia coli HB101. The former two strains are pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. The latter two strains are non-pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, respectively.

For MIC assessment, compounds were initially dissolved in DMSO and serial dilutions of soluble compounds were made in LB broth. 4 μL of a 37° C. overnight LB broth culture was inoculated into 2 mL of each dilution in LB (each MIC was eventually bracketed to within two fold up and down of that concentration) and the cultures were incubated overnight (with rapid shaking at 37° C.) before being evaluated for growth or lack thereof visually.

Antimicrobial activity of various compounds described herein are depicted in TABLES 6-15. For the TABLES, the concentrations (μg/ml) were normalized to approximately equal molar concentrations for each row and for each compound. The FW for each compound is: [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Ag (FW 846.06); [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H(FW 739.20); [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H(FW 731.28); [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆H₅)N}₂]H(FW 559.30); [N{(C₃F₇)C(Mes)N}₂]H(FW 643.46); [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]H(FW 697.08); [N{(CF₃)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H(FW 697.08); [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-CF₃C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag (FW 838.15); [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag (FW 803.94); AgNO₃ (FW 169.9); silver (I) sulfadiazine (FW 357.14). In the tables, NZ is no zone of inhibition and ND is not determined.

TABLE 6 Disk sensitivity test with [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Ag Concentration Concentration Diameter of the zone of growth inhibition (mm) (μg/ml) (mM) S. aureus B. subtilis P. aeruginosa E. coli 4.86 × 10⁴ 5.7 × 10¹ 70.0 47.0 27.0 18.0 4.86 × 10³ 5.7 × 10⁰ 33.0 37.0 16.5 14.0 4.86 × 10² 5.7 × 10⁻¹ 39.0 38.0 12.0 11.0 4.86 × 10¹ 5.7 × 10⁻² 21.5 22.0  8.0  8.5 4.86 × 10⁰ 5.7 × 10⁻³ 10.0 11.0  7.5  8.0 4.86 × 10⁻¹ 5.7 × 10⁻⁴  6.0 (NZ)^(b)  7.5  6.0 (NZ)  6.0 (NZ) 4.86 × 10⁻² 5.7 × 10⁻⁵  6.0 (NZ)  6.0 (NZ)  6.0 (NZ)  6.0 (NZ) 4.86 × 10⁻³ 5.7 × 10⁻⁶  6.0 (NZ)  6.0 (NZ)  6.0 (NZ)  6.0 (NZ)

TABLE 7 Disk sensitivity test with [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H Concentration Concentration Diameter of the zone of growth inhibition (mm) (μg/ml) (mM) S. aureus B. subtilis P. aeruginosa E. coli 4.20 × 10⁴ 5.7 × 10¹ 75.0 71.0 9.0 9.5 4.20 × 10³ 5.7 × 10⁰ 37.5 39.0 8.0 9.0 4.20 × 10² 5.7 × 10⁻¹ 40.0 47.0 8.0 9.0 4.20 × 10¹ 5.7 × 10⁻² 19.0 22.0 8.0 8.5 4.20 × 10⁰ 5.7 × 10⁻³  9.0 10.0 7.0 7.0 4.20 × 10⁻¹ 5.7 × 10⁻⁴  6.0 (NZ)  8.0 ND^(c) ND 4.20 × 10⁻² 5.7 × 10⁻⁵  6.0 (NZ)  6.0 (NZ) ND ND 4.20 × 10⁻³ 5.7 × 10⁻⁶  6.0 (NZ)  6.0 (NZ) ND ND 4.20 × 10⁻⁴ 5.7 × 10⁻⁷  6.0 (NZ)  6.0 (NZ) ND ND

TABLE 8 Disk sensitivity test with [N{(CF₃)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H Concentration Concentration Diameter of the zone of growth inhibition (mm) (μg/ml) (mM) S. aureus B. subtilis P. aeruginosa E. coli 3.10 × 10⁴ 5.8 × 10¹ 36.5 45.0 10.0 11.0 3.10 × 10³ 5.8 × 10⁰ 35.0 33.0 9.0 10.0 3.10 × 10² 5.8 × 10⁻¹ 30.0 31.0 9.5 9.0 3.10 × 10¹ 5.8 × 10⁻² 13.0 22.0 9.5 8.0 3.10 × 10⁰ 5.8 × 10⁻³ 22.0  8.0 9.0 8.5 3.10 × 10⁻¹ 5.8 × 10⁻⁴ 9.0  7.5 ND ND 3.10 × 10⁻² 5.8 × 10⁻⁵ ND  6.0 (NZ) ND ND 3.10 × 10⁻³ 5.8 × 10⁻⁶ ND  6.0 (NZ) ND ND

TABLE 9 Disk sensitivity test with [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-CF₃C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag Concentration Concentration Diameter of the zone of growth inhibition (mm) (μg/ml) (mM) S. aureus B. subtilis P. aeruginosa E. coli 4.81 × 10⁴ 5.7 × 10¹ 19.0 115.0 23.5 22.0 4.81 × 10³ 5.7 × 10⁰ 14.0 131.0 15.0 12.5 4.81 × 10² 5.7 × 10⁻¹  9.5 78.0  9.0 10.0 4.81 × 10¹ 5.7 × 10⁻²  9.0 39.0  6.0 (NZ) 9.0 4.81 × 10⁰ 5.7 × 10⁻³  7.5 10.0  6.0 (NZ) 8.0 4.81 × 10⁻¹ 5.7 × 10⁻⁴  6.0 (NZ) 10.0 ND^(b) ND 4.81 × 10⁻² 5.7 × 10⁻⁵  6.0 (NZ) 9.0 ND ND 4.81 × 10⁻³ 5.7 × 10⁻⁶  6.0 (NZ) 9.0 ND ND 4.81 × 10⁻⁴ 5.7 × 10⁻⁷  6.0 (NZ) 7.5 ND ND

TABLE 10 Disk sensitivity test with [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H Concentration Concentration Diameter of the zone of growth inhibition (mm) (μg/ml) (mM) S. aureus B. subtilis P. aeruginosa E. coli 4.20 × 10⁴ 5.7 × 10¹ 47.5 100.0 9.0 9.0 4.20 × 10³ 5.7 × 10⁰ 36.0 85.0 8.5 8.5 4.20 × 10² 5.7 × 10⁻¹ 34.0 50.0 8.0 8.0 4.20 × 10¹ 5.7 × 10⁻²  9.0 30.0 8.0 7.0 4.20 × 10⁰ 5.7 × 10⁻³  8.0 13.5 8.0 7.0 4.20 × 10⁻¹ 5.7 × 10⁻⁴  6.0 (NZ) 7.0 7.0 7.0 4.20 × 10⁻² 5.7 × 10⁻⁵  6.0 (NZ) 8.0 6.0 (NZ) 7.0 4.20 × 10⁻³ 5.7 × 10⁻⁶ ND 8.0 ND ND 4.20 × 10⁻⁴ 5.7 × 10⁻⁷ ND 7.5 ND ND

TABLE 11 Disk sensitivity test with [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag Concentration Concentration Diameter of the zone of growth inhibition (mm) (μg/ml) (mM) S. aureus B. subtilis P. aeruginosa E. coli 4.62 × 10⁴ 5.7 × 10¹ 20.0 19.5 15.0 15.5 4.62 × 10³ 5.7 × 10⁰ 16.5 21.0 13.5 16.0 4.62 × 10² 5.7 × 10⁻¹ 15.0 18.0 10.0 11.0 4.62 × 10¹ 5.7 × 10⁻² 14.5 19.0  7.0 9.0 4.62 × 10⁰ 5.7 × 10⁻³ 11.0 12.0  6.0 (NZ) 7.0 4.62 × 10⁻¹ 5.7 × 10⁻⁴  6.0 (NZ)  6.0 (NZ) ND ND 4.62 × 10⁻² 5.7 × 10⁻⁵  6.0 (NZ)  6.0 (NZ) ND ND

TABLE 12 Disk sensitivity test with [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]H Concentration Concentration Diameter of the zone of growth inhibition (mm) (μg/ml)^(a) (mM) S. aureus B. subtilis P. aeruginosa E. coli 4.00 × 10⁴ 5.7 × 10¹ 13.0 21.0 9.0 9.0 4.00 × 10³ 5.7 × 10⁰ 20.0 19.0 8.0 8.0 4.00 × 10² 5.7 × 10⁻¹ 16.0 18.5 8.0 8.0 4.00 × 10¹ 5.7 × 10⁻² 15.0 19.0 8.0 8.0 4.00 × 10⁰ 5.7 × 10⁻³  7.0 13.0 7.0 6.0 (NZ) 4.00 × 10⁻¹ 5.7 × 10⁻⁴  7.0  8.5 ND ND 4.00 × 10⁻² 5.7 × 10⁻⁵  8.0  7.0 ND ND 4.00 × 10⁻³ 5.7 × 10⁻⁶  6.0 (NZ)  7.5 ND ND 4.00 × 10⁻⁴ 5.7 × 10⁻⁷  6.0 (NZ)  6.0 (NZ) ND ND

TABLE 13 Disk sensitivity test with [N{(C₃F₇)C(Mes)N}₂]H Concentration Concentration Diameter of the zone of growth inhibition (mm) (μg/ml) (mM) S. aureus B. subtilis P. aeruginosa E. coli 3.69 × 10⁴ 5.7 × 10¹ 9.5 9.0 9.0 10.0 3.69 × 10³ 5.7 × 10⁰ 7.5 8.0 8.5 8.0 3.69 × 10² 5.7 × 10⁻¹ 6.0 (NZ) 6.0 (NZ) 7.5 7.5 3.69 × 10¹ 5.7 × 10⁻² 6.0 (NZ) 6.0 (NZ) 7.5 7.0 3.69 × 10⁰ 5.7 × 10⁻³ 6.0 (NZ) 6.0 (NZ) 7.0 7.0

TABLE 14 Disk sensitivity test with AgNO₃ Concentration Concentration Diameter of the zone of growth inhibition (mm) (μg/ml) (mM) S. aureus B. subtilis P. aeruginosa E. coli 1.00 × 10⁴ 5.9 × 10⁻² 10.5 16.0 16.0 15.0 1.00 × 10³ 5.9 × 10⁻³  9.0 13.0 12.5 14.0 1.00 × 10² 5.9 × 10⁻⁴  8.5 13.0  9.5 13.0 1.00 × 10¹ 5.9 × 10⁻⁵  7.0 9.5  6.0 (NZ) 8.5 1.00 × 10⁰ 5.9 × 10⁻⁶  6.0 (NZ)  9.0  6.0 (NZ) 7.0

TABLE 15 Disk sensitivity test with Silver(I) sulfadiazine Concentration Concentration Diameter of the zone of growth inhibition (mm) (μg/ml)^(a) (mM) S. aureus B. subtilis P. aeruginosa E. coli 2.05 × 10⁴ 5.7 × 10⁻² 12.5 12.5 17.0 15.0 2.05 × 10³ 5.7 × 10⁻³ 11.0 12.0 15.0 11.5 2.05 × 10² 5.7 × 10⁻⁴  9.5  9.5 7.0  6.0 (NZ) 2.05 × 10¹ 5.7 × 10⁻⁵  8.0  9.0 7.0  6.0 (NZ) 2.05 × 10⁰ 5.7 × 10⁻⁶  6.0 (NZ)  6.0 (NZ) ND ND

For antibacterial assessment, DMSO, as a control, was used and a no zone of inhibition was observed for all compounds described herein. Other comparative compounds used were representative conventional compounds currently in use for antibacterial purposes and included AgNO₃ and silver(I) sulfadiazine.

Compounds described herein show remarkably high antimicrobial activity as further evidenced in TABLES 16-18. In TABLES 16-18, the last column reflects antimicrobial efficacy of each compound relative to AgNO₃, wherein efficacy is assessed on a per mole basis in a comparison with the MIC values. Effective compounds as antimicrobials include the highly fluorinated triazapentadiene [N{(CF₃)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H and [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H and the silver adduct [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Ag; the fluorinated [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H and its silver adduct [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-CF₃C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag; and the chlorinated compound [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6-Cl₂Ph)N}₂]H and its silver adduct [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag.

TABLE 16 S. aureus. Relative to Compound MIC (μg/ml) MIC (mM) AgNO₃ [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Ag 1.80 2.13 × 10⁻³ 34.45 [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H 1.57 2.12 × 10⁻³ 34.71 [N{(CF₃)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H 1.46 2.71 × 10⁻³ 27.16 [N{(C₃F₇)C(2- 8.78 × 10⁻¹ 1.05 × 10⁻³ 70.10 F,6-CF₃C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag [N{(C₃F₇)C(2- 1.55 1.06 × 10⁻³ 34.71 F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6- 0.853 1.12 × 10⁻² 69.43 Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6- 7.80 2.12 × 10⁻³ 6.57 Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]H [N{(C₃F₇)C(Mes)N}₂]H 2252.38 3.50 2.10 × 10⁻² AgNO₃ 12.50 7.36 × 10⁻² 1.00 silver(I) sulfadiazine 16.00 4.48 × 10⁻² 1.64

TABLE 17 B. subtilis. Relative to Compound MIC (μg/ml) MIC (mM) AgNO₃ [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Ag 1.80 2.13 × 10⁻³ 69.01 [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H 1.57 2.12 × 10⁻³ 69.34 [N{(CF₃)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H 7.29 × 10⁻¹ 1.35 × 10⁻³ 108.89 [N{(C₃F₇)C(2- 8.70 × 10⁻² 1.04 × 10⁻⁴ 1413.46 F,6-CF₃C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag [N{(C₃F₇)C(2- 1.60 × 10⁻¹ 2.19 × 10⁻⁴ 671.23 F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6- 4.27 × 10⁻¹ 5.31 × 10⁻⁴ 276.84 Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6- 4.27 × 10⁻¹ 4.59 × 10⁻⁴ 320.26 Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]H [N{(C₃F₇)C(Mes)N}₂]H 1732.64 2.69 5.46 × 10⁻² AgNO₃ 25.00 1.47 × 10⁻¹ 1.00 silver(I) sulfadiazine 89.18 2.50 × 10⁻¹ 5.88 × 10⁻¹

TABLE 18 P. aeruginosa. Relative to Compound MIC (μg/ml) MIC (mM) AgNO₃ [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Ag 23.69 2.80 × 10⁻² 6.57 × 10⁻¹ [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H 2643.48 3.58 5.14 × 10⁻³ [N{(CF₃)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H 1586.90 2.94 6.26 × 10⁻³ [N{(C₃F₇)C(2- 17.56  2.1 × 10⁻² 8.76 × 10⁻¹ F,6-CF₃C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6- 2912.70 3.98 4.62 × 10⁻³ (CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6- 72.20 8.98 × 10⁻² 2.05 × 10⁻¹ Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6- >16671.80 >23.92  <7.69 × 10⁻⁴   Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]H [N{(C₃F₇)C(Mes)N}₂]H 1402.43 2.18 8.44 × 10⁻³ AgNO₃ 3.12 1.84 × 10⁻² 1.00 silver(I) sulfadiazine 2.00 5.60 × 10⁻³ 3.29

TABLE 19 E. coli. Relative to Compound MIC (μg/ml) MIC (mM) AgNO₃ [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Ag 23.69 2.80 × 10⁻² 2.10 [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H 2643.48 3.58 1.65 × 10⁻² [N{(CF₃)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H 396.73 1.10 5.35 × 10⁻² [N{(C₃F₇)C(2- 8.78 1.00 × 10⁻² 5.89 F,6-CF₃C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag [N{(C₃F₇)C(2- 2912.70 3.98 1.48 × 10⁻² F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6- 72.20 8.98 × 10⁻² 6.56 × 10⁻¹ Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6- >16671.80 >23.92  <2.46 × 10⁻³   Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]H [N{(C₃F₇)C(Mes)N}₂]H 1126.88 1.75 3.37 × 10⁻² AgNO₃ 10.0 5.89 × 10⁻² 1.00 silver(I) sulfadiazine 12.81 3.59 × 10⁻² 1.64

TABLES 6-19 illustrate that compounds herein are highly effective at inhibiting growth of Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., S. aureus and B. subtilis) and serve as suitable antibacterial agents for use, such as medicinal use and/or as an antibacterial additive, due to their thermal stability. Compositions herein were 27-1,400 times more effective than AgNO₃ and approximately 16-2,400 times more effective than a currently used antimicrobial, silver sulfadiazine (TABLES 16-19). The Gram-negative bacteria P. aeruginosa (an opportunistic pathogen) and E. coli (strains of which are pathogenic) were most sensitive to ([N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Ag, [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-CF₃C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag and [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag at relatively equivalent levels.

An additional finding suggests that presence of a halogen on phenyl groups in the triazapentadienes compositions herein may be important for improving antibacterial activity against Gram-positive organisms (e.g., S. aureus and B. subtilis) because [N{(C₃F₇)C(Mes)N}₂]H was less effective than other triazapentadienes not containing a halogen on its phenyl groups.

In one or more forms, effective amounts of any one or a number of compositions described herein are provided in an appropriate diluent with or without additional ingredients and provided as an antimicrobial solution. The solution may be provided in a concentrated form and further diluted at a later stage, wherein dilutions were at any concentration desired and may depend on preference and/or suitable effectiveness. In addition, the solution may be provided with a pharmaceutical carrier for medicament purposes. In addition or as an alternative, one or more compositions herein may be provided in an effective amount on a surface to act as a surface repellant/antimicrobial.

An agent may remain in a concentrated form or be provided at its effective amount, which, in some forms, may depend on the microbe of interest. For example, as an antimicrobial agent against certain Gram positive bacteria, a composition such as [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Ag or [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H or [N{(CF₃)C(C₆H₅)N}₂]H may (alone or in combination) be provided at a concentration of about or greater than 5.0×10⁻⁴ mM and provided at a concentration of about or greater than 5.0×10⁻³ mM when used against certain Gram negative bacteria (see, e.g., TABLES 6, 7 or 8, respectively). An antimicrobial agent such as [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-CF₃C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag or N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H may be provided at a concentration of about or greater than 5.0×10⁻⁷ mM against certain Gram positive bacteria and at a concentration of about or greater than 5.0×10⁻³ mM when provided against other Gram negative bacteria (see, e.g., TABLES 9 or 10, respectively). An antimicrobial agent such as [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag may be provided at a concentration of about or greater than 5.0×10⁻³ mM when provided against certain Gram positive and/or Gram negative bacteria (see, e.g., TABLE 11). An antimicrobial agent such as [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]H may be provided at a concentration of about or greater than 5.0×10⁻⁶ mM against certain Gram positive bacteria and at a concentration of about or greater than 5.0×10⁻³ mM when provided against Gram negative bacteria (see, e.g., TABLE 12). An antimicrobial agent such as [N{(C₃F₇)C(Mes)N}₂]H may be provided at a concentration of about or greater than 5.0 mM against certain Gram positive bacteria and at a concentration of about or greater than 5.0×10⁻³ mM when provided against Gram negative bacteria (see, e.g., TABLE 13). Effective antibacterial concentrations are similar for many compositions described herein.

When in solution a water dispersible component is typically included. This is preferably a water soluble solvent, such as dimethylsulfoxide, toluene, tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, diethyl ether, and hexane. In addition or as alternatives, solvents may include polyethylene glycol 400, hexylene glycol, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol-10 methylglucose ether, ethoxydiglycol, polyethylene glycol-6 caprylic/capric glyceride, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, polyethylene glycol-8 caprylic/capric glycerides, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, dimethyl isosorbide and mixtures thereof, as examples.

A formulation of compositions described herein in a solution or pharmaceutical preparations is routine. In one embodiment, a common administration vehicle (e.g., tablet, implants, injectable solution, injectable liposome solution, etc.) will contain at least one compound described herein and other suitable ingredients. Other suitable ingredients may include stabilizing agents (e.g., carriers known in the art such as albumin, a globulin, a gelatin, a protamine or a salt of protamine), immunosuppressive agents (e.g., prednisone, melphalain, prednisolone, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate, azathioprine and i.v. gamma globulin and suitable combinations), tolerance-inducing agents, potentiators (e.g., monensin, ammonium chloride, perhexyline, verapamil, amantadine and chloroquine) and/or side-effect relieving agents, as examples. All of such additives when provided for human use have known efficacious dose ranges, such as disclosed in the Physician's Desk Reference, 41st Ed., Publisher Edward R. Barnhart, N. J. (1987).

As such, poly-halogenated 1,3,5-triazapetadienes are useful ligands for other compounds, including metals and carbon- or nitrogen-based donor molecule. Such compounds (with and without metal complexation) are potent antibacterial compounds. Such compounds as described herein provide for disinfectant, antiseptic and/or antimicrobial use for personal, medical, commercial and/or industrial applications. The improved compounds as described are also suitable as ligands for metal coordination chemistry. As described, resulting metal adducts may also serve as active catalysts for one or more chemical processes.

While specific alternatives to steps of the invention have been described herein, additional alternatives not specifically disclosed but known in the art are intended to fall within the scope of the invention. Thus, it is understood that other applications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the described embodiment and after consideration of the appended claims and drawing. 

1. A composition comprising a poly-halogenated 1,3,5 triazapentadiene, wherein the composition is thermally stable, electron-poor and accommodates sterically demanding substituents on both 2- and 6-positions of N-aryl groups, wherein the halogen includes fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition coordinates with a metal ion.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is soluble in a solvent selected from the group consisting of toluene, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylsulfoxide, dichloromethane and diethyl ether.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is a metal triazapentadienyl ligand and binds a carbon- or nitrogen-based donor molecule.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is a metal triazapentadienyl ligand and binds carbon monoxide or ethylene.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is a weak donor.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition inhibits growth of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.
 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition inhibits growth of bacteria selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is a ligand for metal coordination chemistry.
 10. A composition comprising a poly-halogenated 1,3,5 triazapentadiene with electron deficient primary amines, wherein the composition is prepared by a reaction with a tertiary amine as a base, wherein the halogen includes fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.
 11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the reaction includes C₆F₅NH₂, C₃F₇—CF═N—C₄F₉ and triethylamine in a molar ratio at or about 2:1:3.
 12. The composition of claim 10, wherein the composition includes [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H, [N{(CF₃)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]H, [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]H and [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]H.
 13. The composition of claim 10, wherein the composition includes complexation with a metal to form a metal triazapentadienyl.
 14. The composition of claim 10, wherein the composition includes [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃), [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CuCO, [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]CuNCCH₃, [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Cu(C₂H₄), [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]Cu(CO)(NCCH₃), [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃)N}₂]CuNCCH₃, {[N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Ag}_(n), [N{(C₃F₇)C(C₆F₅)N}₂]Ag, [N{(C₃F₇)C(2-F,6-CF₃C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag, and [N{(C₃F₇)C(2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃)N}₂]Ag.
 15. The composition of claim 10, wherein the composition is a metal triazapentadienyl adduct that binds a carbon- or nitrogen-containing donor.
 16. The composition of claim 10, wherein the reaction includes C₆F₅NH₂, CF₃—CF═N—C₂F₅ and triethylamine in a molar ratio at or about 2:1:3.
 17. A composition comprising:

wherein R¹ is an alkyl or aryl group and R² is a fluoro alkyl group.
 18. The composition of claim 17, wherein the composition is an antibacterial agent.
 19. A method comprising:

wherein R¹ is an alkyl or aryl group and R² is a fluoro alkyl group.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of C₆F₅, 2-F,6-(CF₃)C₆H₃; 3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃; 2,6-Cl₂C₆H₃; CH(Me)Ph, wherein Me is methyl, Ph is phenyl.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein R¹ includes CF₃ and C₃F₇.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein, R² is C₃F₇ and includes C₆F₅NH₂, C₃F₇—CF═N—C₄F₉ (obtained from tri(perfluorobutyl)amine, (C₄F₉)₃N, precursor) and triethylamine in a molar ratio at or about 2:1:3.
 23. The method of claim 19, wherein, R² is CF₃ and includes C₆F₅NH₂, CF₃—CF═N—C₂F₅ (obtained from tri(perfluoroethyl)amine, (C₂F₅)₃N, precursor) and triethylamine in a molar ratio at or about 2:1:3.
 24. The method of claim 19, wherein the method produces a high yield colorless crystalline solid.
 25. A method of inhibiting growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, the method comprising: providing a composition comprising

as an antibacterial agent wherein R¹ is an alkyl or aryl group and R² is a fluoro alkyl group.
 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the Gram positive bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the Gram positive bacteria include Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli.
 28. A ligand for metal coordination chemistry comprising:

wherein R¹ is an alkyl or aryl group and R² is a fluoro alkyl group, wherein the composition has coordination centers for complexation with a metal ion.
 29. The ligand of claim 28, wherein the metal ion is introduced in a solvent.
 30. The ligand of claim 28, wherein the metal ion is introduced in acetonitrile or tetrahydrofuran.
 31. The ligand of claim 28, wherein the ligand in a complexed form further complexes a second molecule having one or more donors. 